Let’s set the record directly before we start; Any motorcycle can be used for an adventure. However, this page will focus on the sector of the adventure motorcycle market that typically covers medium and heavyweight machines with at least some off-road capability and a nod to comfort in the distance. .
The apparent king of the industry is the BMW R1250GS (we will be a new BMW R1300GS in the MCN control fleet in 2024) and, of course, previous versions up to the original ‘big trailies’, the most sensible dog’, the 1980 R80GS.
Over time, adventure motorcycles became bigger, heavier, more expensive, and more asphalted and that’s where the midweight versions came into play. Obviously, this is a more “everything” motorcycle, capable of traveling the road. asphalt and with off-road capability.
This segment has seen an increase in recent times with the 2022 MCN adventure motorcycle of the year-winning Ducati DesertX, the Yamaha Ténéré 700, the KTM 890 Adventure, the Aprilia Tuareg 660 and the newest models on the scene – the 2023 Honda. Transalp, the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE. , the updated Triumph Tiger 900 and the BMW F900GS range. Below, we rounded up some of MCN’s favorite adventure motorcycles, with heavier and mid-weight features, adding features suitable for the A2 license for those just starting out on their adventures.
Let’s start with the crème de los angeles crème of the heavyweight category. The largest in the adventure motorcycle market, with features and convenience packages that rival those of committed passenger cars. These motorcycles, although heavy, still have adventurous and off-road qualities. . Most likely, they only see the asphalt, and that’s okay, because they also perform great in this area.
Moving away from the heavyweights and into the middleweight business with motorcycles that are now in a league of their own. The elegance of the average weight of adventure motorcycles that lately is getting a lot of attention from motorcycle brands that offer their offer for the best adventure horse. Road presence, handling and pedigree on the dirty black roof. This variety of motorcycles can be filled with passengers for a long time and at the same time have the opportunity to explore this forest trail while reducing the weight and load of the motorcycle.
Oversized motorbikes for oversized excursions, at a fraction of the price. A few horses less than the others, but don’t let the statistics fool you. With exceptional ergonomics, handling and a character engine, this motorcycle elegance can bring a lot of adventures and many smiles in keeping with the mile.
A nod to the underdog, electric motorcycles are slowly gaining traction, and while there are plenty of features when it comes to committed electric adventure motorcycles, those that take on the task are worth looking for. If an electric motorcycle can be compatible with your way of life and routine, then having a motorcycle that can offer a bit of adventure and practicality turns out to be the best crossover.
What if you bought a second-hand adventure bike?It’s imaginable to get your hands on a motorcycle with important features without having to spend a lot of money, and there are plenty for sale on MCN’s online page as well. To get started, check out our most productive adventure motorcycles under £3000. We’ve produced a variety of older adventure motorcycles that are also worth paying attention to:
No motorcycle manufacturer has a greater off-road pedigree than Austrian specialist KTM, and following the good fortune of its large-displacement V-displacement adventure bikes, its new medium-weight twin-parallels has further enhanced its reputation. With the 790 Duke’s powerful engine, complicated electronics and quality specs, plus a full-color TFT toolpack, it’s a quality offering that’s up to its value and with off-road features that few competitors can match.
Two versions are available: the more road-oriented base Adventure and the tougher R off-road with a longer upper suspension, one-piece seat, low windscreen, upper fender and an additional Rallye driving mode for an additional £900. Great, but if the off-road is less important, there are less expensive options.
BUYING TIPS There are currently some examples of second-hand cars. The 790 Duke powertrain has a few stories about camshaft issues that need to be investigated if you’re thinking about doing so. In general, KTMs are faked regularly, but beware of off-road scars.
The big GSA shouldn’t want a presentation: the first 1150, in 2002, marked the “adventure” style of large tanks and off-road upgrades and rose to fame thanks to Ewan and Charley’s Long Way Round. Since then it has been a bestseller, updated in 2006, 2010 and 2014 and by 2019 gains an additional 84 cm3, 11hp and BM’s intelligent performance-enhancing ShiftCam technology, as well as a stylish TFT colour display, LED lighting fixtures and more. A giant, versatile, comfortable, sporty, flexible and modern vehicle, the improvements are enough to keep it in its most sensible state; However, it is giant and, depending on the specifications, can also be expensive.
RESIDUAL TIPS, owner profiles, and the delight of the BMW racer indicate that used GSAs are a popular (and smart) used purchase. While the cosmetics are good, there’s not much to worry about, but the features are huge, so be sure to make sure you locate one with the specs you want.
The return of Honda’s renowned Africa Twin after more than 20 years in 2016 was largely good luck and, with its 94-hp twin-cylinder, its true on- and off-road capability and its medium-diversity proportions more than some, it proved to be a refreshing and well-positioned option. For 2019, this new Adventure Sports option has given it more presence, diversity and flavor thanks to a larger tank and longer-travel suspension, though it still lacks some electronics. and the luxury of some rivals. If you love the refinement, quality and history of Honda’s Africa Twin and need a true dual-sport adventure bike, you probably won’t be disappointed.
BUYING TIPS There are already more versions than you think, although many are the intelligent automatic version “DCT” of Honda. The quality and mechanics are stylish without worries, extras such as luggage are always welcome. New Honda Africa Twin for 2020. . .
First introduced in 2013 as an adventurer-style variant of Honda’s all-new 47hp dual CB500 focused on the A2 (the others being the CB500F roadster and the sports CBR500R), the X is the tallest and maximum vertical option, but it’s still a beginner’s game. The update took place in 2015, followed by a new update this year, adding a larger 19-inch front wheel, new bodywork, engine tweaks and new smartwatches. While it’s not an all-rounder, it’s still probably the most productive. It is a beginner’s adventure motorcycle that is affordable, reassuring and simple to ride, and of good quality.
The CB500X won the MCN Sub-500cc Bike of the Year award in 2020.
BUYING TIPS Simple, stress-free, and with no mechanical horror stories in its 10-year life, the CB500X is also popular, so there’s plenty to choose from. They are regularly cared for, but beware of beginners’ negligence. and imaginable damages.
First introduced as the NC700X in 2012, then redesigned and expanded to 750 in 2014, the NCX is an adventurous style traveler with more than a little scooter DNA. The new design offers a luggage compartment in the fake tank and a scooter style. The Twist-n-go DCT automatic edition is also available. At just 54 hp, it’s not the most exciting adventure bike, but it’s efficient, lovely, easy to ride, and incredibly reasonable to buy and use.
BUYING TIPS The low-stress, low-revving dual is forged and thrifty, the rest of the motorcycle is undeniable and is the type of motorcycle that tends to appeal to mature and cautious owners. Again, popularity means that there is a lot of them. Choose the DCT option if you’re feeling brave.
There’s no doubt that Ducati’s newest Multistrada 1260 S is incredibly capable and fast, but with 160 horsepower and a £17,000 value, it’s too much for some too. The new 950 S has all the electronic brilliance of its big brother (including multiple modes). and semi-active suspension), composure and class, but with its 111hp Hypermoto engine and £13,000 value, it’s within reach of more. The Strada is arguably the most capable and complex adventure motorcycle of all. In this 950 S version, it is more available than ever.
The Ducati Multistrada 950 S also won the award for Best Adventure Sport at the 2020 MCN Bike of the Year Awards.
The 937cc engine has been shown on the Hypermotard and the rest of the chassis and parts of the bike on other Strada. Condition and maintenance are critical.
Although a three-cylinder adventure bike may seem strange, the Tiger 800 is a brilliant off-roader and, in XC (cross-country) versions than XR (road), it is also a moderate off-roader. The Triumph triple is a charismatic gem, the handling is generally smart and the versatility is second to none. In addition, successive updates, the most recent with advanced modes, a TFT display and more in 2018, have kept it up to date and the list of features is immense. Buy one with the specifications you like and you may not need anything else.
BUYING TIPS The Hinckley Tiger has been around since 2010 and has proven to be incredibly popular and has presented virtually no problems. The high mileage isn’t because they’re popular travelers, but check out the cosmetics. Quality extras can be a plus.
While it’s true that some adventure bikes are giant and expensive, there’s now a wider variety of sizes, types, and costs than ever before, ranging from A2-compatible budget offerings to a new generation of off-road-focused middleweights, such as Yamaha’s new Ténéré. 700 to luxurious, fully-loaded pickup trucks, such as the new “ShiftCam” R1250GSA from BMW. They don’t want to go through bankruptcy to buy, or even to insure.
For more speed- and asphalt-based adventures, check out MCN’s list of the most productive hikers. For greater comfort, more productive hikers. If your type of adventure is off the beaten track and more dirt, check out MCN’s most productive off-roaders here. Remember, anything can be an adventure and you don’t have to limit yourself to just one type. Good ride.